Church History
The Parish & St. Winefride
About the Parish
Our Church was built in 1905 to serve the growing Catholic community in South Wimbledon, who had previously gathered for Mass at St Mary’s Roman Catholic School since 1882. The architect, Frederick Walters, also designed the school and the Roman Catholic seminary at Wonersh near Guildford. The parish was originally staffed by Jesuit Fathers until 1961, when it came under the care of the Archdiocese of Southwark.
Over the years, the Church has been updated to meet the needs of the parish. Stained glass windows were added in the 1980s, the altar was moved forward, and improvements such as lighting, central heating, and internal reordering were made. The Church is a Grade II listed building and remains in good condition, as noted in the Architect’s report.
The parish hall on nearby Bridges Road was renovated in 2004, is used by a nursery during the week and other local groups as well as for parish events. However, its proximity to residential homes means that it is not suitable for loud, music-driven events. Please contact the parish via the contact page if you require further information.
Today, the parish supports the people of South Wimbledon through sacramental preparation and active community involvement. Parishioners serve as ministers and readers, and help with collections, cleaning, flower arranging, and sacristy duties.
The Parish reflects the diversity of London’s Catholic community. Many are drawn to Wimbledon for its easy access to central London, its safety, and its vibrant shops and restaurants. Each year, the parish prepares around 20 couples for marriage—many of whom return to Ireland, South Africa, other parts of the UK, and beyond to celebrate their weddings.
About St. Winefride
St Winefride, originally named Brewa in Welsh, is also known as Gwenffrewi. The name Winefride comes from the words meaning white throat, symbolising the violent attack she endured. In Gaelic, her name means friend of peace.
Born around 600 AD in Holywell, Wales, Winefride was raised by devout parents who encouraged her to fear God and live a life of faith. Her spiritual development was further guided by her uncle, St Beuno, under whose care her love for God deepened.
Winefride was known for both her intelligence and beauty. Caradoc, the son of a neighbouring prince, became infatuated with her. Despite her decision to devote herself entirely to God, Caradoc pursued her. When she rejected his advances, his obsession turned violent.
According to legend, one day, while her parents were attending Mass, Caradoc found Winefride alone at home. She fled, but he caught up with her outside the church and, in a fit of rage, beheaded her. A well is said to have sprung up where her head fell. St Beuno, hearing of the attack, found her body, placed her head back on her shoulders, covered it with his cloak, and returned to complete the Mass. After praying over her, he removed the cloak—and Winefride miraculously came back to life, with only a white scar around her neck.
Caradoc remained unrepentant. St Beuno called upon divine justice, and tradition says the ground opened and swallowed Caradoc.
St Winefride went on to lead a life of holiness. She became the abbess of a convent built on her father’s land, and a chapel was erected over the holy well. She later moved to Gwytherin, Denbighshire, a remote Welsh-speaking community, where she was widely venerated as a living saint. She died a natural death around 655 AD.
Her feast day is celebrated on 3rd November. Her relics were moved to Shrewsbury in 1138. During the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII in 1540, her shrine was destroyed, and her relics were scattered. Some eventually made their way to Rome, but were returned to England in 1852.